Introduction / History

The Chitimacha have lived in Louisiana for 6,000 years. They grew grains, sweet potatoes, corn, beans, squash and melons. Men were hunters and fishermen who used canoes to travel through the rivers.

The 18th century was very difficult for them. They had a long war with the French, resulting in their population being decimated and many becoming slaves to Europeans. Disease killed even more than the war. When the British defeated France in the French and Indian War in the 1750s-60s, they deported Acadians (French colonists) to Chitimacha lands. Acadians intermarried with the Chitimacha people, further weakening their distinction. The tribe was nearly extinct in the early 20th century. Many had to sell their land to pay taxes, weakening them economically.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Chitimacha are among the only First Nations groups in Louisiana to have their reservation in their traditional land. Their population is growing, and they have taken charge of their children’s education, even though their language is extinct. They now speak English though a few speak Cajun. The Chitimacha have a casino and a museum that is funding a project to resurrect their language. In 2008 they began to work with Rosetta Stone to produce teaching tools for their language. Each Chitimacha family is given a copy to learn their ancient language.

What Are Their Beliefs?

This tribe has been Roman Catholic since the days of French colonists. Yet well over half of them are either secular or they practice their ethnic religion.

What Are Their Needs?

The Chitimacha people need the chance to grow and flourish as a people. They are taking concrete steps, but they have a long way to go.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Chitimacha people to grow and flourish in the 21st century.

Pray for them to hear and respond to the message of Jesus Christ in their own language.

Pray for Chitimacha disciples to make more disciples.

Scripture Prayers for the Chitimacha in United States.

References

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Chitimacha

http://www.chitimacha.gov/history-culture/tribal-history

http://www.chitimacha.gov/

http://www.bigorrin.org/chitimacha_kids.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chitimacha

https://www.chitimacha.gov/